“When a lamb suffers at the initial stage of lambing and growth, they will never forgive the farmer for the rest of their lives.” 

This statement was made by Joubert De Witt of Feedmaster as he shared the importance of the initial growth of small or large stock during the Farmers’ Day, held by the Southern Farmers Network at Tses on Saturday.

De Witt was one of the speakers who emphasised the importance of taking care of livestock through various aspects, such as supplements and feeding schemes to enable good returns upon marketing.

The network is the brainchild of one of the farmers, Wouksie Van Wyk, who created a WhatsApp group for farmers to share knowledge, experiences and information about farming practices.

De Witt used his lecture to point out the advantages of various supplements through different seasons as well as the crucial mistakes farmers make – and which negatively affect their output and, ultimately, their income.

Another speaker Donaven Losper shared the importance of record keeping –from animal births to full production, rainfall statistics, camp performance to spending and income patterns to determine farming profitability and for future expansions.

Losper works for Agribank and is a mentor of farmers in //the Kharas and Hardap regions, where he shares practical experiences with farmers.

Also speaking was Anton Losper from the Ministry of Agriculture, who shared information regarding the training and subsidy schemes that can mainly benefit poultry and horticulture farmers.

The farmers were also taken through practical sessions, where animals of various qualities were put on display and discussed. 

That was done by Gottfried Mallett (Savannah Goats), Carincha Hupita (Boer goats) and Elvis Van Wyk (Van Rooy sheep).

It was the second time the farmers held such a gathering – the first was a mini-show, held at farm Habis in May this year.

The group is made up of around 150 communal, resettled and commercial farmers.